Life
K of C Life Program Overview
The Knights of Columbus have been protecting lives and fighting for life by being strong supporters of Pro-Life movements and efforts since our founding. In 1986, President Reagan recognized those efforts and gave a marvelous speech highlighting our efforts and accomplishments.
Respect for the dignity of life demands a commitment to human rights across a broad spectrum. Both as Knights of Columbus and as followers of Christ. As Saint and Pope John Paul II taught us in 1995, “Catholics must be committed to the defense of life in all its stages and in every condition.”
The Knights of Columbus defends the dignity of each human being at every state of life. Knights work together to build a culture of life and a civilization of love. The Knights of Columbus stands ready to assist pregnant women in need, care for the elderly, aiding the handicapped, empowering those with special needs to realize their full potential, and bringing attention to the injustices of abortion, embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Life programs the Knights of Columbus support and encourage councils to participate in include:
March for Life
The Knights of Columbus encourages others to choose life through public support of the pro-life cause. Knights can sponsor, promote, and participate in existing local, state, provincial and national marches. They can also organize bus trips. Our Knights council has participated in pro-life events and gathered in prayer outside abortion clinics over the years. We stand united against abortion and honorably defend life.
Special Olympics
The Knights of Columbus has a unique relationship with the Special Olympics and has helped disabled athletes train for and compete in games around the world. Knights of Columbus councils have assisted with all aspects of the Special Olympics events from fundraising to feeding the athletes, organizing and judging events, and providing equipment and awards. Without the support of the Knights, participants would not be able to train for the events that they love.
Ultrasound Initiative
The Knights of Columbus has proven we can save lives and help women choose life by giving them the opportunity to view their unborn children on ultrasound machines at pro-life pregnancy centers. Our Ultrasound Initiative is funded by state and local councils and matching grants from our Supreme Council’s Culture of Life Fund. The Knights of Columbus donates funds to purchase ultrasound machines for qualifying pregnancy centers. After the state and local council raises 50% of the cost, the Supreme Council will provide the other 50% to complete funding for purchase of an ultrasound. Or, if a council raises 100% of the cost of a vehicle especially outfitted to serve as a mobile medical unit for a pregnancy center, the Supreme Council will provide 100% of the funds for an ultrasound machine to be used in that vehicle.
Silver Rose
Knights share the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe by promoting respect for life by participating in a meaningful pilgrimage. The Silver Rose program demonstrates the unity between Knights of Columbus in Canada, the United States and Mexico through a series of prayer services promoting the dignity of all human life and honoring Our Lady. Each Year, Silver Roses are stewarded by councils along routes from Canada to Mexico. Every stop the Silver Rose pilgrimage makes along the way, a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners and community members to pray for respect for life is conducted, for the spiritual renewal of each nation, and for the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Mass for People With Special Needs
People with special needs resulting from physical, emotional, mental or cognitive conditions are all around us in society, at school, at work, and in our families. It can often be challenging for these important members of our society to participate in Church due to physical and social barriers — or even family member anxiety. Under this program, Knights of Columbus councils sponsor a distinct Mass for people with special needs. Holding this Mass sends the message that all of God’s children are welcome under the parish roof and that every person is an integral part of the parish family.
Christian Refugee Relief
Knights help save persecuted and at-risk Christians facing genocide all over the world, particularly in the Middle East. We are called to bring awareness and support to those who have suffered for their faith. The Knights of Columbus Persecuted Christians Fund provides humanitarian assistance, primarily in Iraq, Syria, and the surrounding region.
Pregnancy Center Support
We can all change hearts and minds about abortion by showing that we love both mother and child before and after birth. Thousands of pro-life pregnancy centers operate in jurisdictions throughout our Order. By the very nature of our founding, Knights of Columbus are called to care for the widow and orphan. Vulnerable unborn children and mothers experiencing unexpected pregnancies certainly fall within our mandate. With our aid, pregnancy centers can offer support to help women choose life.
Novena for Life
The protection of life is a sustained prayer intention of the Church, and in particular, of the Knights of Columbus. Knights remain firmly committed to defending the right of life of every human being — from the moment of conception to natural death. To commemorate and bolster this important cause, councils throughout our order promote a novena, nine days of sustained prayer, to build up a culture of life in our parishes, homes and wider community. Brother Knights and their families can come together through either public or private acts of prayer to promote the protection of life.
